More Students Are Working While Attending College

If you’re concerned about working your day job while studying, here’s some good news: The majority of students take that approach. 70 percent of full-time college students work while taking classes, according to a 2018 report from the Center of Education and the Workforce at Georgetown University. That’s a much higher number than in previous decades.

Some of those students work part time, but a sizable percentage work full 40-hour weeks — and thanks to the sudden growth of the remote learning industry, those students have more resources for managing their schedules.

Some of the benefits of online degree programs:

• Convenience- Online courses allow students to maintain productive learning environments. By setting up a home office or heading to your favorite coffee shop, you can completely focus on lectures and coursework.
• Flexibility- While schools handle remote learning differently, many offer remote students a great deal of flexibility. You may be able to take classes at night, on weekends, or whenever you have time. The courses teach the same lessons as in-person offerings, so you’ll need to dedicate time to earning your degree, but you can manage your schedule while you work.
• More Options- Most colleges and universities allow students to attend remotely from anywhere in the United States. As long as you have a computer with reliable internet access, you may be able to attend your dream school — without ever stepping foot on campus.

Even if you work 40-hour weeks, online college courses can help you earn a degree. However, don’t rush the decision; before enrolling, you’ll need to research schools, set your goals, and consider how your school work will affect your employment.

Enrolling in Online College Courses While Working

Before applying to any schools, research them to get an idea of your options. Read school websites to find out how they handle remote learning — as discussed above, some schools offer flexible coursework, while others have rigid schedules for distance learners. Take notes on each degree program you find, and if you have concerns, reach out to the school’s enrollment center to ask questions.

You may want to have a discussion with your employer. Some tips to keep in mind:

• Find out whether your job offers tuition reimbursement. Most employers want highly educated employees, particularly if they’re trying to fill highly skilled positions. Many large companies offer tuition reimbursement, which pays for part of your tuition at an accredited school. Even if your company doesn’t offer this type of program, it never hurts to ask.
• Think about how your education will affect your schedule. Make sure that you have realistic expectations. Earning a degree takes time, and overworking yourself can cause burnout. Some degree programs are designed with fewer courses per semester, and these can be useful for working students.
• Consider alternative arrangements with your employer. Depending on your job, you may be able to change your schedule or work part-time hours while you’re in school. You might also consider taking a leave of absence or scheduling vacation time for finals week — but the earlier you make these decisions, the better. Be aware that your employer might ask you to make accommodations (such as lower pay or limited benefits) in order to provide a more flexible work schedule.

Talk to your boss or your company’s human resources department. If you’re not planning on leaving your employer after finishing your degree, let them know. By clearly expressing your long-term goals, you’ll avoid creating unpleasant situations if (and when) your academic career interferes with your work life.

Researching Online Degree Programs While Working a Day Job

Earning a degree can be difficult, but it’s well worth the effort. On average, a person with a bachelor’s degree earns $32,000 more per year than a person with a high school education, and the value of a degree from an accredited institution is expected to keep rising over time.

Online degree programs are an excellent resource for working students. Research as many programs as possible, then discuss your decision with your employer. With hard work, you can finally finish your degree from the comfort of your home, and you don’t have to sacrifice your career to get started.